]]>Nikhil Bhatia Nikhil Bhatia Kia Seltos & MG Hector vs every rival video comparison review2461402461401Sun, 15 Sep 2019 10:11:00 +1000414125Nikhil Bhatia Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000Here is the mega comparison test you have been waiting for. We compare the diesel manual variants of 8 mid-size SUVs and tell you whether the new entrants, the Kia Seltos and the MG Hector, are a better buy than well established Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur, Renault Duster and Mahindra XUV500? Here is the mega comparison test you have been waiting for. We compare the diesel manual variants of 8 mid-size SUVs and tell you whether the new entrants, the Kia Seltos and the MG Hector, are a better buy than well established Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur, Renault Duster and Mahindra XUV500? Sun, 15 Sep 2019 10:11:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-reviews/kia-seltos--mg-hector-vs-every-rival-video-comparison-review-414125#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+SUV%2fCrossovers+feed414125Up to Rs 1.5 lakh off on Tata Hexa, Harrier, Safari, Nexon, Tigor and more

As the gloom of the automotive slump keeps on, automakers are resorting to heavy discounting to bring back demand. With the festive season just round the corner, Tata Motors has officially authorised its dealers to offer substantial benefits to prospective customers. Read on to know the discounts you could avail if you decide to bring home a Tata vehicle this month.

Tata Hexa

Save up to Rs 1.5 lakh
A formidable opponent to the popular Toyota Innova Crysta, the Hexa can be had in 6- or 7-seat configurations. Under the hood is a 2.2-litre diesel motor mated to either a manual or a torque-converter automatic gearbox. There is also the option of all-wheel drive on the range-topping variant. Opting for the Hexa over its rivals will help you save up to Rs 1.5 lakh.

Tata Tigor

Benefits of up to Rs 1.15 lakh
Last refreshed in 2018, the Tigor is Tata’s answer to Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and Ford Aspire. Offered with a choice of 1.2-litre petrol and 1.05-litre diesel engines, the compact sedan also gets the convenience of an AMT auto on the former. With a facelift under development, the current Tigor is being offered with whopping cash discounts, exchange benefits and financial schemes up to Rs 1.15 lakh.

Tata Nexon

Benefits up to Rs 85,000
With the arrival of the Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV300, the Nexon has been facing stiffer competition than ever before. The compact SUV's extensive variant line-up, which includes 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, can be had with cash discounts and exchange bonuses up to Rs 85,000. To fend off competition better, Tata recently updated the SUV with a larger 7.0-inch touchscreen system and also has a facelifted version in the works.

Tata Bolt

Save up to Rs 75,000
Though the Bolt might not be as popular as some of its rivals, it is still a competent hatch with an impressive amount of cabin space. You can save up to Rs 75,000 in the form of cash discounts when you buy the Bolt. Powertrain choices include a 90hp turbo-petrol engine or a 75hp diesel, both clubbed with a manual gearbox unit.

Tata Zest

Benefits of up to Rs 75,000
The Zest is the older of the two compact sedan offerings in Tata’s range and might even feel a bit dated in terms of equipment. It does, however, make up for that with reasonable cabin space and comfort levels. In terms of mechanicals, the Zest can be had with either a 90hp petrol motor or a diesel unit in two states of tune – 75hp and 90hp – with only the more powerful diesel getting the option of an AMT auto gearbox. Benefits amounting to almost Rs 75,000 can be availed on the Tata sedan this festive season.

Tata Safari Storme

Benefits of up to Rs 70,000
The Safari Storme has been a part of the Tata line-up for a while now and can feel a bit dated. However, those looking for a big and butch SUV can go for the Storme, and get a discount of Rs 70,000 which includes consumer discounts and exchange benefits. The Safari comes with a 2.2-litre diesel mated to a manual transmission as standard and an optional four-wheel-drive layout.

Tata Tiago

Benefits of up to Rs 70,000
Rival to the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Hyundai Santro, the Tiago is a popular model from the Indian carmaker. Equipped with the same powertrain options as its sedan sibling, namely the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.05-litre diesel motor, the hatchback is being offered with a significant exchange bonus and consumer discount of worth up to Rs 70,000. A facelifted Tiago is also expected in the coming months.

Tata Harrier

Benefits of up to Rs 50,000
Since Tata launched the Harrier earlier this year, competition in the mid-size SUV has heated up with the arrival of the Kia Seltos and MG Hector. To keep the model fresh, the automaker recently introduced the Harrier Dark Edition. Available with only a 140hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a manual transmission, the Harrier is set to offer greater variety in the coming months, with the option of an automatic transmission, and even a 7-seater variant that has been dubbed 'Buzzard' for the time being. People who choose the Tata offering over its rivals could save up to Rs 50,000 this month in the form of exchange benefits.

Disclaimer: Discounts vary from city to city. Please check with your local dealer for exact discounts, which may not match figures quoted here.

The Kia Seltos and MG Hector have shaken up the SUV segment. There’s been huge interest in both SUVs well before they went on sale and the hype is real, because both models have raked up commendable booking numbers since. For the first products from two relatively lesser known carmakers, and in the midst of a market slowdown, the Seltos and Hector have got off to flying start.

The question is, which is better? To find out, we’ve brought together the diesel-manual versions of each. Prices for the Seltos diesel-manual range from Rs 9.99-14.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) while the Hector, in the same engine-gearbox configuration, is priced from Rs 13.19-16.88 lakh. We’ve considered the fully-loaded versions of both SUV for this comparison.

What are they like on the outside?

You wouldn’t be wrong to think the Kia Seltos and MG Hector belong to two different segments. Because where the Seltos measures 4.3m in length, the Hector stretches the tape to 4.6m. The MG is also much taller and wider, and easily looks the more substantial SUV. And it’s not only the Hector’s size that will draw your attention, its styling is in-your-face, and the combo of the large grille, high-set LED DRLs and low-mounted headlamps give the Hector great show value. You’ll also find a lot more bling on the Hector, and the shiny elements on the grille, bumpers and window line do drive home the point that this is an upmarket SUV. However, the proportions are a bit off, with the long rear overhang looking more MPV than SUV. What also spoils the Hector’s stance are its 17-inch wheels that look a size too small against the vast body.

The Seltos has the more balanced design. It’s got the upright stance Indian buyers like, and it is a smarty turned-out SUV. The Kia is not lacking in slick details either. The LED headlights are beautifully detailed, there’s a unique LED strip that lines the top of the grille and, if you look closely, you’ll even see a very premium knurled finish on the grille’s chrome surround. Buyers can also opt for a contrast roof, which adds some more glamour to the look.

Dimensions

Kia Seltos 1.5D MT HTX+

MG Hector 2.0D Sharp

Length

4315mm

4655mm

Width

1800mm

1835mm

Height

1645mm

1760mm

Wheelbase

2610mm

2750mm

Ground clearance

190mm

192mm

Kerb weight

1315kg

1700kg

Tyre size

215/60 R17

215/60 R17

What are they like on the inside?

The Seltos’ interior looks sophisticated and is really user-friendly too. The 10.25-inch infotainment screen is positioned high up and in clear view, and, in general, all the controls and buttons are in easy reach. What makes the cabin feel nicer still is the level of quality. Right from the buttons on the steering wheel to the padded panel on the dashboard, everything feels built to a high standard. Fit and finish is excellent and at par with pricier European cars.

You sit higher up in a Hector and the large windows and low dash not only equal fantastic frontal visibility, but also make the already large MG cabin feel larger still. ‘Large’ is also the word you’d use to describe the MG’s 10.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that’s (literally) the talking point of the dashboard. The screen, which can be operated via voice commands too, is your go-to control for virtually all functions, but the absence of physical buttons for the basics is an arrangement not everyone will readily take to. Still, there’s no denying that it makes the Hector's interior appear future-ready. On the face of it, quality levels are also good, but a closer look at the Hector’s all-black interior reveals some scratchy plastics and a few inconsistent panel gaps.

Shifting focus to the back seats. If you like sprawling out at the back, the Hector will serve you best. There’s living room levels of space in the back and the impression is helped by the massive panoramic sunroof that lets in lots of light. An absolutely flat floor and adjustable backrest are also elements that enhance overall comfort.

The Seltos simply can’t match the Hector on room but you won’t be cramped at the back either. There’s more than enough legroom and the headroom is fair too. Shoulder room is significantly down on the Hector so three adults won’t sit in as much comfort on the back seat of a Seltos. Like the Hector, the Seltos’ rear-seat backrest is reclinable and what’s also nice is that Kia has included retractable sunblinds for the nice-sized windows. What the Seltos' rear seat lacks though is thigh support – it's inadequate.

What features do they get?

Both the models feature touchscreen infotainment systems and smartphone junkies will be happy to note that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (coming soon on the MG) are part of the package. As for the screens, the Seltos’ 10.25-inch system is slicker and is free from the occasional delay to touch inputs you’ll experience on the Hector’s larger 10.4-inch unit. That the MG touchscreen houses all functions has its drawbacks too. For instance, you either need to take your eyes off the road to find the relevant tab on the touchscreen or you've to strike up a conversation with the system (saying “Hello MG” gets its attention) for something as simple as adjusting fan speed.

The Hector and Seltos also offer eSIM-based connected tech. Owners can keep a close eye on their car’s health and location, and even set a geo-fence to get an alert when their car exits a defined geographical limit, among many other features. The MG and Kia also boast AI voice commands; though neither works flawlessly, it’s the latter’s system that gets it right on more occasions.

What is undeniably cool is the option to operate the MG’s sunroof by simply talking to the car. On the subject, the Hector’s panoramic sunroof is ginormous, and is easily larger than the Seltos’ regular sunroof.

Do a quick analysis of all that you get on the SUVs and you’ll find it’s the Hector with the most goodies. It's the only model here with a powered tail gate, it gets a configurable ambient lighting system, and it features a 360-degree camera too. A powered driver’s seat is something you’d find on the Seltos, but the Hector offers power adjust for the co-passenger too. Front seat ventilation, wireless phone charging and an onboard air purifier (that also dispenses three scents) are exclusive to the Seltos.

The Hector also gets more by way of safety equipment. It’s the only one with side and curtain airbags, hill-start assist and ESC. The Seltos makes do with two airbags only.

Do note, Kia is still evolving the Seltos line-up so don’t be surprised if the diesel-manual version is offered in a better-equipped GTX+ trim in the near future.

Equipment

Kia Seltos 1.5D MT HTX+

MG Hector 2.0D Sharp

Headlamp

LED

LED

Sunroof

Available

Panoramic

Keyless entry and go

Available

Available

Touchscreen

10.25-inch

10.4-inch

Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

Available

Available

Connected tech

Available

Available

Wireless phone charger

Available

NA

Cruise Control

Available

Available

Automatic headlamps

Available

Available

Automatic wipers

NA

Available

Leatherette seats

Available

Available

Powered driver's seat

Available

Available

Ventilated front seats

Available

NA

Rear seat recline

Available

Available

Rear window sun shades

Available

NA

Auto climate control

Available

Available

Rear AC vents

Available

Available

Air purifier

Available

NA

Powered tailgate

NA

Available

Safety Features

Airbags

2

6

Parking Sensors

Front/rear

Front/rear

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Available

Available

Parking camera

Rear

360-degree

Hill-start assist

NA

Available

Hill-descent assist

NA

NA

ESC

NA

Available

Rear disc brakes

Available

Available

What are they like to drive?

A brochure-to-brochure comparison will reveal the Hector as the SUV with the larger engine, more power and more torque. The MG’s Fiat-source 2.0-litre engine makes 170hp and 350Nm of torque. In comparison, the Kia’s significantly smaller 1.5-litre engine makes all of 115hp and 250Nm of torque. However, weight is the great equalizer here. The Kia weighs 1,315kg while the MG tips the scales at 1,700kg. This is part of the reason why there’s very little between the two in flat-out and in-gear acceleration. But there are differences in their engines’ characteristics.

The Seltos’ engine is smooth, quiet and the more refined unit here. What’s also nice is that the engine is really responsive at low revs, and the build of power is linear and very friendly. You can feel a step-up in power on the Kia around 2,000rpm, and the engine will also breach 5,000rpm without feeling out of depth. There’s much to like about the Hector’s engine too. While you can hear a bit of clatter at times, the Hector’s engine is quiet by class standards. The gentle build of power is likeable, there is a fair amount of punch in the mid-range and there’s somewhat of a top-end too. The clutch action and gearshifts, however, aren’t quite smooth as on the Seltos.

For all its size, the MG Hector is a surprisingly easy SUV to drive in town. The light steering makes the MG feel surprisingly manoeuvrable, the 360-degree camera helps wiggle out of tight spots and the low-speed ride is also well-cushioned. Where the Hector cedes ground is in high-speed manners. The steering offers no real feel or feedback, and that’s unnerving in a vehicle so large. There’s a lot of body movement too, and the MG simply doesn’t feel as well tied down as it ought to.

The Seltos is leagues ahead of the Hector in this department. There’s fair weight at the steering, the suspension does its bit to flatten the lumps and bumps, and in the corners too it feels like a well set-up SUV. Body control is far superior to the Hector. At the same time, the Seltos also makes for an easy SUV to drive in town. Its relatively small dimensions make it easy to place, its steering doesn’t need much effort to twirl and low-speed ride comfort is good too, if not quite as cushy as the Hector’s.

Engine and Performance

Kia Seltos 1.5D MT HTX+

MG Hector 2.0D Sharp

Engine

4-cyl, 1493cc, turbo-diesel

4-cyl, 1956cc, turbo-diesel

Power

115hp at 4000rpm

170hp at 3750rpm

Torque

250Nm at 1500-2750rpm

350Nm at 1750-2500rpm

Power to weight

87.45hp per tonne

100hp per tonne

Torque to weight

190.11Nm per tonne

205.88Nm per tonne

Gearbox

6-speed manual

6-speed manual

Fuel economy (kpl)

21

17.41

Performance

Acceleration (from rest)

Acceleration (from rest)

20kph

1.05s

1.42s

40kph

2.65s

2.92s

60kph

4.65s

4.93s

80kph

7.67s

7.82s

100kph

11.21s

11.39s

120kph

16.30s

16.40s

140kph

-

22.91s

Acceleration in gear

20-80kph (in 3rd gear)

9.91s

10.13s

40-100kph (in 4th gear)

11.99s

11.62s

Which one should you buy?

The Hector is the larger, more powerful and better-equipped SUV in this duo. And as we’ve already established, the Hector has superb show value, both on the inside and outside. It’s well-priced too for all that you get, and what only adds to the package is the class-best 5-year warranty.

The Seltos might not be able to match the Hector on glitz and glamour, but it still comes across as the better all-rounder by virtue of its superior driving experience. The Kia is quieter, makes for a more confident highway cruiser and is just a more involving SUV to drive. What also makes your money seem well spent is the excellent quality. True, the Kia’s cabin is significantly down on space to the Hector, but cramped it is not. To many, the Seltos’ relatively smaller size also makes it an easier SUV to park, manoeuvre and live with in crowded cities.

All said, it’s the Kia Seltos that comes across as the more sophisticated SUV, and the one that covers more bases than the Hector.

As the automobile industry in India continues to witness a bloodbath in its sales performance, with numbers down month on month since the past 11 months, August 2019 has emerged to be not so august for the sector, which has finally hit its rock bottom in the month. But will it plunge even more?

Passenger vehicle (PV) sales, which slumped 31.57 percent to 1,96,524 units (August 2018: 2,87,198) have also hit an all-time low, with passenger cars performing even worse at 1,15,957 units (August 2018: 1,96,847) and dropping by massive 41.09 percent. Interestingly, new launches in the form of the MG Hector and the Kia Seltos have seen the UV sub-category improve slightly and arrive at a de-growth of 2.20 percent, with total UV sales culminating at 71,478 units (August 2018: 73,085). Vans, on the other hand, continue to record dismal numbers at 9,089 units (August 2018: 17,266 / -47.36 percent).

Two-wheelers, again, were the ones to hit rock bottom, with overall de-growth in performance coming to be at 22.24 percent and sales only about reaching 15,14,196 units (August 2018: 19,47,304). This is the segment's worst performance in three years when two-wheelers were down 22.04 percent last in December 2016.

Scooters and motorcycles, both fell by similar levels, with the former recording a 22.19 percent drop in sales at 5,20,898 units (August 2018: 6,69,416) and the latter observing a drop of 22.33 percent, with net sales closing at 9,37,486 units (August 2018: 12,07,005).

Passenger vehicle and two-wheeler exports up

While there are concerns about rising inventory levels, both at dealerships and at the OEM stockyards, the two voluminous segments – PVs and two-wheelers – are seen showing a rise in their exports, with manufacturers upping efforts to liquidate overt inventories and recover some cost.

In the two-wheeler segment, while scooter exports were down by a substantial 15.36 percent at 36,235 units (August 2018: 42,812), it was motorcycles that, at 2,60,817 units and at a growth of 6.33 percent (August 2018: 245,294), made the overall two-wheeler segment record an uptick of 3.30 percent, with total export shipments of 2,98,426 units (August 2018: 2,88,880).

The improved exports performance of both of these vehicle categories saw overall exports in the month of August reflect an improvement of 2.37 percent with total shipments coming out to be at 4,21,107 units (August 2018: 4,11,341).

With dealers continuing to offer hefty discounts and manufacturers resorting to no-production days, trying to moderate inventory pile-ups and bringing in some corrections, the current situation in the industry is that of moderating inventories ahead of the April 1, 2020, BS6 deadline. While the festive season, which has begun this month, usually sees dealers stocking up to cater to more customers coming in during the auspicious time, the scenario this time around is quite different. Overexpectations and guesstimates have taken a backseat, with everyone moving forward with a doubly cautious approach. However, the industry still hopes that things get better in a couple of quarters.

Mahindra has just introduced a new subscription-based service in partnership with Revv that will be available across select SUVs in its range. Prices for the subscription service start from Rs 19,720 per month, which is inclusive of insurance and routine maintenance charges, but may vary from model to model. The initiative aims to increase convenience and flexibility for Mahindra’s customers, in terms of vehicle ownership.

To subscribe to a car, the customer has to visit either Mahindra or Revv’s website and select a model from a list that currently includes the KUV100, TUV300, XUV300, Scorpio, Marazzo, XUV500 and the Alturas G4. Once the model is selected, the customer has to provide certain details to ensure they are eligible for the subscription plan, after which they pay a refundable deposit that’s based on the model and duration of subscription. If it is a new car, then the subscription period ranges from one to four years. Once this process is complete, Mahindra orders the car and it reaches the customer in around a month’s time.

The service requires the first month’s subscription fee to be paid in advance, after which the customer has to pay it on a monthly basis for the duration of the subscription period.

During the subscription period, after a minimum amount of time with the vehicle is completed, the customer can change their vehicle to a different model. At the end of the subscription period, customers can either return the car to Mahindra or opt to purchase it from the carmaker at a pre-determined price.

As things stand, in its first phase, Mahindra’s subscription initiative will be available across eight Indian cities, which includes Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

]]>Nishmanya Bahadur Nishmanya Bahadur Mahindra introduces car subscription service2461402461401Fri, 13 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +1000414124Nishmanya Bahadur Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000The subscription-based initiative has been undertaken in partnership with Revv and will be available for six Mahindra models.The subscription-based initiative has been undertaken in partnership with Revv and will be available for six Mahindra models.Fri, 13 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/mahindra-introduces-car-subscription-service-414124#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+SUV%2fCrossovers+feed4141242020 World Car of the year nominees revealed

The proceedings for the 2020 World Car Awards are now well and truly underway with the nominees for the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) having just been announced at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. As the proceedings have begun, it is worth noting that there will be two round of testing and voting by jurors from all over the world. Only after this will the winners be announced at the New York International Auto Show on April 8, 2020.

The World Car Awards has multiple categories for various cars to compete in, but undoubtedly the WCOTY award is the most sought after. For 2020, there is a long list of nominees which comprises 31 cars, ranging from small hatchbacks to large full-size SUVs. A few cars that stand out from this list are the recently launched Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue. Both these cars had their global unveiling in India and a large part of their development happened here as well. Other familiar cars like the Renault Captur (Euro-spec), Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq and many more have also been nominated. We have compiled a list of all the cars nominated for the 2020 WCOTY award, below.

Nominations for the 2020 World Car of The Year

Cadillac CT4

DS DS 3 Crossback/Etense

DS DS 7 Crossback/Etense

Ford Escape/Kuga

Ford Explorer

Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Venue

Kia Seltos

Kia Soul EV

Kia Telluride

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Mazda CX-30

Mazda3

Mercedes-AMG A35/45

Mercedes-AMG CLA35/45

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mini Cooper SE

Opel/Vauxhall Corsa

Peugeot 2008

Peugeot 208

Renault Captur

Renault Clio

Renault Zoe R135

Seat Tarraco

Skoda Kamiq

Skoda Scala

SsangYong Korando

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen T-Cross

As mentioned above, the World Car Awards have multiple categories for various cars to compete for top honours. The cars in these categories are more similar in nature as they need to have a certain attribute to compete in the category. We have also put together a list of all the nominees for the 2020 World Performance car of the year, 2020 World Luxury Car of the year and the 2020 World Urban car of the year below.

Nominations for the 2020 World Performance Car of The Year

Alpine A110S

Audi RS 6 Avant

Audi RS 7 Sportback

Audi S8

Audi SQ8

BMW M8 Coupé

BMW Z4

Mercedes-AMG A35/45

Mercedes-AMG CLA35/45

Porsche 718 Spyder/Cayman GT4

Porsche 911

Porsche Taycan

Toyota GR Supra

Nomination for the 2020 The World Luxury Car of The Year

BMW 7 Series

BMW X5

BMW X7

BMW Z4

Cadillac CT5

Cadillac XT6

Mercedes-Benz EQC

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Porsche 911

Porsche Taycan

Toyota GR Supra

Nominations for the World Urban Car of The Year

Kia Soul EV

Mini Cooper SE Electric

Opel/Vauxhall Corsa

Peugeot 208

Renault Clio

Renault Zoe R135

Volkswagen T-Cross

Last year the Jaguar I-Pace became the first model ever to win three World Car titles in the 15-year history of the World Car Awards. The I-Pace was presented with the 2019 World Car of the Year, the World Car Design of the Year and the World Green Car awards. Other winners at the 2019 World Car Awards included the Suzuki Jimny – which beat the Hyundai Santro in the World Urban Car category. The Audi A7 took the 2019 World Luxury Car of the Year title, while the award for the 2019 World Performance Car of the Year category was won by the McLaren 720S. Also, among this year’s extensive jury panel were Autocar India’s Hormazd Sorabjee and Renuka Kirpalani. Watch this space for more updates about the 2020 World Car Award as these 31 nominees are put to the test.

]]>Nishmanya Bahadur Nishmanya Bahadur 2020 World Car of the year nominees revealedThe Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue (sold in India) have been nominated for 2020 WCOTY award.2461402461401Nishmanya Bahadur 2020 World Car of the year nominees revealed2461402461401Thu, 12 Sep 2019 16:26:00 +1000414121Nishmanya Bahadur Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000Nominees for the 2020 WCOTY announced at Frankfurt and include the likes of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue, Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Captur and more.Nominees for the 2020 WCOTY announced at Frankfurt and include the likes of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue, Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Captur and more.Thu, 12 Sep 2019 16:26:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/2020-world-car-of-the-year-nominees-revealed-414121#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+SUV%2fCrossovers+feed4141212019 Toyota Fortuner TRD Celebratory Edition launched at Rs 33.85 lakh

Toyota has added a special edition variant of the Fortuner to its line-up named TRD Celebratory Edition at a price of Rs 33.85 lakh (ex-showroom). Available only with the 2.8-litre diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission in 4x2 configuration, the new variant celebrates 10 years of the Fortuner in India, and is Rs 2.15 lakh more expensive than the standard Fortuner 2.8D 4x2 AT.

Over the last decade, Toyota has sold close to 1.6 lakh units of the Fortuner in India, but the TRD Sportivo variant was first introduced on the current generation of the Fortuner back in 2017. Now, the 2019 TRD Celebratory Edition carries similar styling elements as the earlier TRD Sportivo variant, but has some new elements that differentiate it from the previous model.

Talking about changes to the outside, it’s available in pearl white colour with a dual tone black roof. Apart from that, the front also gets a TRD badge on the grille and a new bumper with faux skid plate. You also have new all-black 18-inch alloy wheels which aren’t available on the standard 2WD AT Fortuner. The rear remains mostly unchanged except for the new design of the bumper.

The dual tone theme continues on the inside as well. The maroon and black seats get TRD logos and the dashboard gets contrast red stitching. Apart from this, there are no changes made to the feature list, and the Fortuner continues to offer LED projector headlamps, 7-inch touchscreen with embedded navigation, 7 airbags, vehicle stability control with brake assist, hill assist control and ABS with EBD.

There are no mechanical changes from the standard Fortuner and it continues to be powered by a 177hp, 2.8-litre diesel engine. It competes against the likes of the Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas G4 and Isuzu MU-X.

Tata has introduced a new extended warranty package for its Harrier SUV. Priced at Rs 25,960, the new Pentacare Warranty Package gets buyers an extension on the Harrier's 'standard' warranty cover from 2 years/1,00,000km to 5 years with no limit on mileage. The package can be bought by customers up to 90 days after the purchase of their vehicle.

As per the company, the package covers the maintenance services of critical parts such as the engine and engine management system, air conditioning system, gearbox, fuel system, including the fuel pump and driver information system. Additionally, any maintenance related to the malfunctioning of the clutch and suspension will now be covered up to 50,000km.

Commenting on this, SN Barman, Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit (PVBU), Tata Motors said, “In line with our endeavour to provide our customers with excellent services on their purchased TML products, we are delighted to introduce the 5-year Pentacare Warranty Package for the Tata Harrier. This package covers almost all major maintenance services for the Harrier and aims to provide our customers complete peace of mind during their ownership experience of Harrier. We hope that our customers will appreciate this service and give us an opportunity to continue to provide them with exceptional customer support in the future.”

Speaking to Autocar India at the Frankfurt motor show 2019, Klaus Bischoff, head of Volkswagen design said the team is carefully listening to what Indian customers want as the carmaker is keen to make further inroads into the market.

VW cars typically follow an understated design theme and hence, have found it difficult to appeal to a large part of the Indian customer base – who prefer more bling. Asked if the brand would adopt a different approach to design, Klaus said the SUV would have “a little bit of masala” to suit local taste but clearly remain a Volkswagen.

“The brand is a brand is a brand; if you do something that is not true to the brand then you’re betraying the brand. So we have to extend the soul and the boundaries of the brand into the Indian territory of taste. We will do so, but we will stay true to the brand.” Bischoff said.

He further stated that this makes designing the product super-difficult but he is confident that they will deliver sophistication and a level of perceived quality of execution that will clearly meet the expectations that Indian customers have of the brand. This philosophy could very well extend to other cars in VW’s future line-up for India, which also includes a replacement for the Vento.

The Volkswagen T-Cross SUV will retain the family look but is expected to have some added chrome, especially to the front grille and the bumper area. The T-Cross’ sister product, the Skoda Kamiq SUV is also set for an Auto Expo showing.

]]>Staff Writer Staff Writer VW T-Cross SUV styling to have some &#8216;masala&#8217; to suit Indian tastes2461402461401Wed, 11 Sep 2019 11:50:00 +1000414100Staff Writer Autocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000VW cars under India 2.0, led by an SUV, will have some local flavour to attract more customers, whilst staying true to its roots, says design head.VW cars under India 2.0, led by an SUV, will have some local flavour to attract more customers, whilst staying true to its roots, says design head.Wed, 11 Sep 2019 11:50:00 +1000https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/vw-t-cross-suv-styling-to-have-some-masala-to-suit-local-tastes-414100#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Autocar+India+SUV%2fCrossovers+feed414100